Notes and Proofs regarding the family of Blackadder of that ilk.
(Collected 1896)
Arms. Blackadder of that ilk. Azure, on chevron argent, three roses gules.
Crests: 1. An Adder sable in pale, in its mouth a rose gules, leaved and stalked vert.
Motto: ‘Vise la fin.’
2. A dexter arm and hand grasping a broadsword.
Motto: ‘Courage helps fortune.’
Blackadder of Tulliallan. – Quarterly 1st and 3rd as above (for Blackadder); 2nd and 4th argent, three crescents gules (for Edmonstone).
Home of Blackadder. – Quarterly 1st (for Blackadder) azure on a chevron argent, three roses gules: 2nd (for Home) vert, a lion rampant argent, armed and langued gules; 3rd (for Pepdie of Dunglass) argent three pepingoes (popinjays) vert, beaked and clawed gules; 4th (for Sinclair) argent, a cross engrailed azure , supporters dexter and otter, sinister of falcon, both proper.
Crest and motto those of Blackadder No.1 above (vide Nisbet’s Heraldry and Stoddart’s Scottish arms).
Origin.
The family of Blackadder comes into prominence in the first half of the fifteenth century when they became Crown vassals.
Earlier traces of them are not very distinct. In the Ragman Roll appears the name of Sir Walter called ‘Blacwatre’ Dean of Aberdeen who swore fealty to Edward, King of England on 19 July 1296 (see page 5 below). There is nothing to trace his connection with the Berwickshire family. In the list of Scottish nobles and knights killed and taken prisoners at the battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, occurs the name of Sir Patrick ‘Bereclere’ , according to one chronicler (Hemingford) ; The name given by Kneigton, however is ‘Careter’ ; the manuscript evidently being indistinct. This may easily be a corruption of ‘Blacethier’ an early spelling of the name.
In the Register of the Great Seal, the first Crown Charter in favour of a Blackadder is one James I in 1426 in favour of William of Wedderburne and Robert de Blakedir of the ilk. This Robert de Blakedir was knighted and sat in the Scots Parliament of 1464. Prior to this the Blackadders had evidently been vassals of the Earls of March whose estates had been forfeited (1400).
The Dunbar family, Earls of March, were the most powerful landowners and feudal chiefs in the Eastern Scottish Marches and they probably held the lands of Blackadder from Coldingham Priory to whom they had been granted by Charter of Edgar in 1082. The manor of Blackadder however was frequently in the hand of the English and in 1336 we find Edward III of England granting part of it to Walter de Cregh, Constable of Berwick. The Blackadders however, whatever their origin, owed their lands to their services in Border warfare (See Crichton’s Life of the Rev. John Blackadder).
1. Sir Walter called ‘Blacwatre’ appears in the Ragman Roll on 19th July 1296 at Aberdeen, Henry Bishop of Aberdeen, Sir John Fleming and Sir William de Moravia, knights with Sir Walter called ‘Blacwatre’, Dean of Aberdeen, swore fealty, tactis sacrosanctis and kissing the Holy Evangels. The seal adhibited is that of the Aberdeen chapter.
2. Sir Patrick Blacethler, 1333. In the list given in Hailes’ Annals of Scots slain and taken prisoners at the battle of Halidon Hill, the surname of Sir Patrick is omitted. Two chroniclers however give the name, Hemingford writes ‘Berechere and Kneighton writes ‘Careter’, their manuscript authority being evidently indistinct. This might easily be a corruption of ‘Blacethler’ as the name was sometimes spelt. In fact the name appears to have given the scribes considerable difficulty: we find the following amongst the different forms of spelling: - Blacadyr, Blacathathir, Blakadre, Blacethler, Blakedir, Blacater, etc. The tradition is that Sir Patrick was beheaded by order of the English King after the battle and his head along with fifty others stuck on Berwick gate.
From an account of the Sheriffs of Berwick, Roxburgh and Edinburgh from Michaelmas 1336 to Michaelmas 1337 we find that two parts of the manor of Blakeder which formerly were held by Robert de Burghdone in capite of the King of England (Edward III), was let to Walter de Cregk (who was Constable of Berwick in 1339) at the rent of 110 shillings per annum to be paid to the English Treasury. This Robert de Burghdone, an English soldier was probably of the same family as John de Burghdone who was appointed Chancellor of Berwick in 1338 (vide Calr of documents relating to Scotland III).
3. Sir Robert de Blakadir, Knight of that ilk, 1397 – 1468. This laird seems to have been a person of importance in the border affairs. He was employed by the King to negotiate a truce in England in 1464. He also sat in the Scottish Parliament that year (Stoddart ‘Scottish Arms’). The first Crown Charter granted to a Blackadder appearing in the Register of the Great Seal was granted to this laird. It is dated at Edinburgh 2nd January 1426. The following is an abstract:-.
The King (James I ), grants to William de Wedderburne the tennandry in the town and territory of Blacater in the Earldom of March and County of Berwick which formerly was possessed by Emma (Emmote, Clerk and afterwards reverted to the King by reason of bastardy. To be holden by the said William and his heirs of and under Robert de Blakadir of that ilk and his heirs, lords of Blakadir , in feu-farm. Yielding to the said Lords of Blakadir a pound of pepper in time of peace in name of blench-duty, and to the lord and King services used and wont.
The next Crown Charter is also in favour of this laird who had resigned his lands into the hands of the King for new infeftment. It is a Charter of Confirmation dated at Edinburgh 4th July 1452 and the following is an abstract:-.
The King (James II) confirms to Robert Blakader of the ilk and his heirs the lands of Blackader in the Sheriffdom of Berwick which the said Robert personally resigned. And grants also to the said Robert and his heirs every right and claim etc which the King has to the said lands formerly held from the Earl of March by reason of his forfeiture of the deceased George sometime Earl of March or any of his pre-deceassors or others whomsoever. And grants whatever it is possible for the King to grant to any of the Earls of March etc. To be holden in a free barony of Blackader by yielding a silver penny at the chief messuage in the name of blench-duty.
It thus appears that the barony of Blackadder was not entailed to Robert and his heirs-male but to his heirs-general.
In 1450 this Robert sat on an inquest when Alexander Home of that ilk was served heir to his father. Under date 10th March 1463 appears a Safe-conduct granted by Edward IV for Robert de Blakader, David de Dulrympell, Thomas Synglan, William de Carabyre and James Ledall, Scots, with 16 persons or under, to travel in England (Rotuli Scotiae).
In 1464 Robert Blakader is given seisen in Langisland (Exchequer Rolls). In this also we find from the Exchequer Rolls that payment was made to Robert Blakader and William Cranstown de Coraby, knights, and Master Archibald de quhitlaw, Secretary, for their efforts in England to obtain a truce. Also payment was made to Robert Blakader for expenses disbursed by him when the King took Berwick Castle.
In the year 1427 Johne de Blacethter witnesses a Charter of Robert de Muscamp to William de Grenlaw.
In June 1431 Andrew de Blakedyr is present with other landowners at a perambulation of sort of the territory of Coldingham Priory (Vide Raines History of North Durham, appendix voce Coldingham). On June 29th 1444 at Douglas Castle Andrew de Blakadre, armiger, witnesses a Charter of the Earl of Douglas.
4. Adam de Blakater of the ilk succeeded 1468,(d.1492) appears as the next laird. From the Exchequer Rolls we find that he was given seisen in Blackader in the year 1468. From the same source we find that in 1486 Dunspark was let to him for a term of years.
In 1480 Adam de Blakater sues Thomas Edintoune for taking a herzeld (herzeld of heriot a feudal casualty, generally the best ox or horse of the tenant) furth of the lands of Blakater. Under date 2nd February 1476 James King of the Scots signifies to the bearers of the instalment of the Princess Cecilia’s dower due at Candlemas that he has sent Alexander, Lord Hume, Robert de Lawdir of Edington, son and heir apparent of Robert od Lawdir of the Bass and Adam of Blackadder (Blacathathir) of that ilk with Lyon king of arms to conduct them to Edinburgh (Vide Rymers Foedera for text of the document).
On 13th December 1482 Marione, widow of Robert Blacader of that ilk is pursuer against Adam Blacader of that ilk for one-third of the mails of the lands of Blacader for the past five terms, vis 50 merks. Judgement was given in her favour for ten merks for each term. It appears that Adam had granted a bond to pay his mother her terce of the lands of Blacadder but was not coming up to his obligations. The old Extent of Blacader was 50 pounds and the new Extent was £70.
In the year 1482 in a treaty signed by Commissioners of Edward IV and those of Alexander, Duke of Albany, inter alia provision is made for ‘reparation’ of Cawemylles and Blackater’s Tower etc. There is no doubt that the stronghold of the Blackadders was deemed of considerable importance in the warfare of the borders.
1. In 1478 the lands of Hiltoune were let for 7 years to Patrick Blackader by John Blrune with consent of his spouse and George Hume. This Patrick may be Sir Patrick afterwards of Tulliallan
2. Under date 7 July 1485 appears letters of Protection and Safe conduct (by Henry VII) for a year, at the request of James, King of Scots, to William, Archbishop of St.Andrews; Robert Blackader, Bishop of Glasgow; William , Bishop of Aberdeen; Henry, Abbot of Cambuskenneth; Master David Ceton; Master Michael Straton; Master David Bram; Master Alexander Elphynston; Master John Bagenoth; Thomas Murton; Robert Wellys; Charles Blakater;Robert Bleyndschelys; John Warmat; William Elphynston; and Adam Forman with 60 horsemen to pass between Scotland and England at pleasure.
Charles Blakater was evidently in the train of the Bishop of Glasgow. He was Parish Clerk of Monkland and died in 1519. His name frequently occurs as a witness to deeds etc, granted by Robert Blackader, Archbishop of Glasgow. (Vide Register of the Diocese)
5. Andrew Blakater of that Ilk, 1430 – 1516. Andrew, a brother to the last laird succeeded on 1492 in which year he was seised in Blackader and Langlands. He was married to a daughter of Johnston of that ilk. It was during his lifetime that the fortunes of his house reached their climax. His brother Robert became Archbishop and the trusted friend and counselor of King James IV and the godfather of the Prince of Scotland. His brother Sir Patrick married the heiress of Tulliallan, of royal descent and Sir Baldred Blakater, another of his kinsman , was Marshall of the royal household. His eldest son Robert was married in 1510 to Alison Douglas, daughter of George , Master of Angus, whilst his younger sons, Patrick and Robert were Dean of Dunblane and Prior of Coldingham respectively.
It was also during this laird’s time that the deadly feud between the Homes of Wedderburn and the Blackaders arose. Andrew Blackader appears to have been a man of violence, for we find in Pitcairns Criminal Trials under date 18th August 1499 a remission to Andrew Blakater of that ilk and Ninian Nesbit for the murder of Philip Nesbit of Wester Nexbit and others. Andrew Blakader also appears to have been mixed up with the murder of Thomas Rutherford within Jedburgh Abbey.
One story which is current in the family regarding the origin of the feud is this :- George Home, laird of Wedderburn being pursued by a party of English Borderers and hardly pressed in the vicinity of Blackadder Castle , sought admission there but was refused and before he could reach Wedderburn he was caught and stabbed. This was in May 1497. The spot where he fell, near his own door at Wedderburn, is marked by a cross surrounded by a stone wall and holly hedge. Hence the feud between the two families.
David Hume however in his history of the house of Wedderburn gives another version of the quarrel. He does not mention the fact of the laird of Wedderburn seeking refuge in Blackadder Castle but says that after his murder by the English, his son David with Cockburn of Langton raised a force and had an affray with the English at Kelloe in which the latter were worsted. The Blackadders not only took no part in this to help the Homes on their act of retribution but they received as many of the English fugitives they could into Blackadder Castle and sent them away afterwards in safety without ransom. For this reason he says the Homes determined that their quarrel with the Blackadders should be to the death. At this time however there was a quarrel or feud between the laird of Blackadder and the laird of Wester Nexbit and the Homes appear to have taken the part of the latter. This would account for the Blackadders refusal to give any to the Homes.
Robert Blackadder the son and heir of Andrew the laird was killed at Flodden fighting by the side of George Douglas Master of Angus, his father in law.
At this time, the beginning of the 16th century, many members of the family were churchmen. Robert, the first Archbishop of Glasgow, appears to have gathered many about in his diocese. Amongst them were the following:-
1. Roland Blackader, Sub-Dean of Glasgow and also Prebend of Cadder and Rector of Monkland; an illegitimate son of Sir Patrick of Tulliallan, legitimized by Papal Bull. His name appears frequently in the records of the diocese as that of a wealthy and energetic churchman. He founded St.Nicholas’ chapel in Glasgow Cathedral. A curious bit of scandal is revealed in the Protocol Book of the Diocese as having occurred between him and his father, Sir Patrick. It appears that Sir Patrick has obtained the possession of the letters of collation of his son to the Prebend of Cadder and also the Bull of legitimization granted by the Pope without which he could not hold his benefice and refused to deliver them up until Roland had signed a contract in which he agreed to pay his father a pension out of the fruits of his benefice. When Sir Patrick died in 1504 Roland had the contract rescinded. The latter died in 1540, leaving a son William who was legitimized by Royal License in 1519.
Sir Patrick of Tulliallan , the Archbishop’s brother appears frequently in registers not only as proprietor of land in the city but especially in the year 1503, as procurator for the citizens. He founded and endowed the chaplaincy of Sir Kentigern in the low church of the Cathedral.
2. Patrick Blackader , Archdeacon of Glasgow, subsequently appointed Prior of Coldingham was the son of Sir Patrick of Tulliallan. He appears in the registers to have been present at meetings of the Chapter from 1506 to 1510. He was murdered by the Homes in 1526 (vide Chrichton’s Life of John Blackadder).
3. Robert Blackadder, Rector of Glasgow and Canon of the Cathedral. Present at meetings of the Chapter in 1511. He together with Roland Blackader, the Sub-Dean, and Andrew Marshall, a canon were executors of Archbishop Blackader’s Will.
4. Sir Patrick Blackader, a Papal Knight, in 1503 was a chaplain of the Archbishop’s. In 1509 he was appointed to the chaplaincy of St. John Baptist in the Cathedral. He is probably the Parson of Rampatrick mentioned in the ‘Respite’ below.
5. James Blackader was in 1510 appointed vicar of the parishes of Cadder and Monkland at the age of 18. His relative Roland Blackader being the rector of these parishes.
6. John Blackader, a priest of the diocese appears in records 1501 to 1504. He was probably the Parson of Kirkpatrick-Fleming mention in the ‘Respite’ below.
7. Charles Blackader, Parish Clerk of Monkland, died c.1519. He appears occasionally as a procurator in the registers and seems to have been much about the person of the Archbishop. Probably the Charles Blackader mention above.
8. Adam Blackader in Inzever appears in the registers 1503 – 1511. Perhaps this is the son of Sir Patrick of Tulliallan, afterwards made Prior of Coldingham and Abbot of Dundrennan.
In the ‘Specialle Respuyt’ in favour of the men, kin, tenentis, factoris and servandis’ of Robert , Archbishop of Glasgow: And especially for the slaughter of Umquhile Thomas Rutherfurde within the Abbay of Jedworth dated August 28 1504 are included amongst others –Andrew Blackader of the ilk.
Baldrede Blacader, Knight.
Adam Blacader.
Charles Blacader.
Dame Elizabeth Edmonstone, lady of Tulliallan.
Patrick Blacader, her son and heir.
Margaret Blacader, lady of Carnschallo (Dumfriesshire)
John Maxwell, her son and heir.
Master John Blacader, person of Kirkpatrick-Fleming.
Sir Patrick Blacader, person of Rampatrick.
Robert Blacader, son and apparent heir to Andrew Blacader of that ilk
(Pitcairn Criminal Trials.)
It will be seen from this how powerful was the Archbishop’s patronage that when he left home his kinsmen had to get a special protection from the King. The above mentioned interesting document is given at length in Pitcairn.
A prominent member of the family about this time was Sir Baldred Blacader, Marischal of the King’s household. His nearest and lawful heir in 1511 was Andrew Blacader of that ilk, his brother’s son. He appears to have been a good deal in Glasgow about the Archbishop as he is a witness to many of his deeds and charters. He was likewise a retaller of the Diocese holding forty shilling land of Ryglat in the barony of Carstairs. He was married 1478 to Dame Margaret Melville, widow of Sir Thomas de Wemyss laird of Reras in Fife, who seems to have been an extensive landowner. This Sir Baldred appears to have been continually at law with regard to his wife’s and his own possessions, as is shown by the frequency of his name occurring as a litigant in the Acts of the Lords Auditors and those of the Lords of Council. In 1478 there was a suit at his instance anent a tack of the lands of East Barns set to him by the Earl of Argyle.
In the Acta Com: Auditorium appear the following entries regarding him; 19 October 1479. Before the Lords Auditors compeared John of Wemys summoned at the instance of Baldred of Blakater anent the spolation taking and withholding of certain ‘vitales’ pertaining to him by reason of his wife, the lady Reras, and her mails of the barony of the Luchre (Leuchars). Eo.die. Before the Lords Auditors compeared David Wemys summoned at the instance of Baldred Blakater anent the waytaking of three oxen jurth of the lands of Myrcarny taken for his annual thereof.
1st December 1497. In presence of the Lords Auditors, Patrick Lindesay of kirkforther ‘forepeaker’ for John Inglis in Logymurtho protested that since he had called Baldred Blakater and Dame Margaret Melvele, lady of Reras, to warrand his lands of Logymurtho with pertinent and the said Baldred was present and no his spouse thst it should turn him to no prejudice anent his warrant.
In the Exchequer Rolls of 1490 appear sundry payments to Baldred Blacader for his fees as marishal of the household.
On 12 June 1507 Sir Baldred was present at a meeting of the Chapter of Glasgow Cathedral. In 1509 from an entry in the rental book of the Diocese we find that Sir Baldred was lately deceased.
Amongst the ladies of the family the following are mentioned in the records :-
1471 May. Reservation of terce of lands in town of Bodingtowne in Sheriffdom of Berwick in favour of Janet (Jean) Blakadir wife of Nicholas Formane of Hutoune. Note, this lady is called Margaret Blakadir in a subsequent charter of 1478.
1490 Jan. 3rd. Charter to George Hately of Mellostanys and Margaret Blacader his wife in conjunct fee of lands of Brumehill and Blassingbraid in Berwickshire, and Spoteachele in the Barony of Dunbar.
1499 Jan. 29 Charter of Confirmation in favour of George Hume of Spott and Isobelle Blakedir his wife in conjunct fee of part of the lands of Downe and Bromehouse in the constabulary of Haddington and Sheriffdom of Edingburgh.
1503 Feb.23. Adam Blacader bailie for Lord Avondale gives seisin to David Forsyth amd Marjorie Blacader his spouse in conjunct fee in the lands of Dykes in the Barony of Avondale.
1506 Jean (Janet) Blacader of Tulliallan married Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan from whom are descended the Earls of Elgin.>/p>
1509 Sept.27. Charter by Andrew Bandelandis to William Oliphhant and Beatrix Blacater his wife in conjunct fee of part of the lands of Easter Millhouse in Linlithgowshire.
The following is the Note of Memorandium given in Pitcairn’s Criminal Trials regarding Andrew Blackadder’s share in the slaughter of the Nesbits.
1490. Aug. 18. Remission to Andrew Blacatar of that ilk and Ninian Nesbit for the forethocht felony done by them upon Philip Nesbit of Wexter Nesbit and John his brother, Patrick Nexbit in Mongois Wall etc : And for the cruel slaughter of umquhile the said John Nexbit and Philip Nesbit in Mongois Wall upon forethocht felony committed : And for the spulyeing of their goods etc and all crimes that in anyways may be impute to them for the committing of the said slauchter and forethocht felony in the King’s Palace and residence where his highness was personally present: And of the gift to the said Andrew and Ninian and their heirs of the escheat of all goods moveable and unmoveable, lands etc pertaining to the King’s highness by the occasion of the said slauchter etc.
This must have been a serious crime having been committed in the royal presence and it was no doubt owing to the powerful influence of his brother the Archbishop that Andrew obtained his remission. The committal of this murder shows how deadly was the feud between the Blackadders and the Nesbits supported by the laird of Wedderburn.
Andrew died in 1516 predeceased by his eldest son Robert who was killed at Flodden in 1513, but who left two daughters Beatrix and Margaret.
Beatrix and Margaret Blacater heir-portioners of Blackadder, born 1511 and 1513 respectively. Beatrix married John Home of the house of Wedderburn and Margaret married Robert Home his brother. The estate of Blackadder was at first divided, Beatrix and her husband taking the eastern half with the castle and Margaret and Robert Home taking the western half of the estate. Afterwards the western portion reverted to the heirs of Beatrix.
Both heiresses and their husbands obtained crown charters of confirmation of which the following are abstracts :-
29 Jan 1542. At Edinburgh the Queen (Mary, grants to Beatrix Blakader in freehold and to Alexander Hume the legitimate son procreated between her and John Hume in feu-farm and to the heirs and assignees of the said Alexander the Castle Tower and Fortalice of Blakader, the church lands and town of Blakader, the lands of Quhytlaw (Whitelaw, Reidheuch, Readylock) with the tenants etc and patronage of churches and chapels all being in the Sheriffdom of Berwick which the said Beatrix with consent of the said John resigns. Moreover the Queen grants to the said Alexander the non entry duties mails etc of the said lands from the time of the deceased Adam Blacader or other last lawful possessors until the entry of the true heir with their relief duties as accords etc.
27 July 1541 At Tantallon, the King (James V) confirms and for good services quit-claims in favour of Robert Hume, brother of the late David Hume of Wedderburn, and of Margaret Blackacader, one of the heirs of the late Andrew Blacader of that ilk wife of the said Robert Hume, half of the lands and barony of Blacader Viz. the town lands and church lands of Blacader with their two grain mills, the lands iof Quhitlaw (Whitelaw) with the tenants etc and patronage of their churches and chapels, all lying in the Sheriffdom of Berwick which the said Margaret resigned to be holden by the said Robert and Margaret and the survivor of them in conjunct and by their lawful heirs whom failing by the lawful and nearest heirs of the said Robert whomsoever etc.
In the Exchequer Rolls under date 1527 in an account of the Sheriff of Berwickshire there occurs mention of £472-10/- of duties for half of the lands etc of Blacader being in non entry for thirteen years and one term, which duties for the whole lands amount to £70 annually and 2 pence of duplication of blench duty payable to the King on account of seisen given to Margaret Blacader of Blacader whose father fell on the field of battle at Flodden. A like return is made in the same account on behalf of Beatrix Blacater.
From the same source we find in 1518 payment of £133-6-8 made to Master Patrick Blacader, Archdeacon of Glasgow for the wardenship of the castle of Blacader under royal authority.
Stephen Blacader youngest son of the late laird Andrew held the lands of Whitelaw, Sheriffhall and Glower-o’er-him in feu from the laird of Blacader. The following is the tradition of how he was dispossessed by the Homes of his lands. For the sake of precaution he carried the title deeds of his property sewn up in a belt which he constantly wore. His servant was aware of this and being bribed by the Homes, he stole the belt from his master while he was alsleep in the harvest field and carried it to the Homes at Blacader Castle. Stephen was then cited to produce his rights to his lands and being unable to do so was dispossessed and the Homes obtained his property. It is said that Stephen only survived his loss a few weeks and died brokenhearted.
The Homes at this time were in possession of a large portion of the County. Besides the head of the house John, Lord Home of Home, there were the following lairds or proprietors :- Wedderburn, Dunglass, Coldingham, Reston, Blackburn, E Renton, Ninewells, Broomhouse, Manderston, Bassendean and Coudenknowes.
Stephen Blacader witnesses a Charter of Archbishop of Blackader at Glasgow on 12 Jan. 1499 . From Charters in the Register of the Great Seal we find notices of the following members of the family: - Patrick Blacader in Whitsome sits on an assize at Berwick on 1st Dec. 1536.
Cuthbert Blacader withnesses a Charter ar Kinloss on 21 Nov. 1540 and again at Culross in 154? He witnesses another Charter. This Cuthbert was probably of the house of Tulliallan.
At Edinburgh 11 Jan 1538 the King (James V) grants letters of legitimation to Patrick Blackader and William Blackader natural son of Adam Prior of the monastery of Coldingham.
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